Elliott Gould turns 87 on August 29, 2025, and his life in Hollywood has been as fascinating as the roles he’s played. Born Elliott Goldstein in Brooklyn in 1938, he grew up the son of a flower seller and a garment buyer, and by the time he graduated from the Professional Children’s School, the stage was already calling. His Broadway debut came in the late ’50s, but it was his starring role in I Can Get It for You Wholesale in 1962 that not only made him a name in theater but also introduced him to his future wife, Barbra Streisand. Their marriage made headlines, and together they had one son, Jason, before divorcing in 1971.

By the late ’60s, Gould was being hailed as one of the hottest stars in Hollywood. His breakout role in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice earned him an Oscar nomination, and the following year, he was immortalized as “Trapper” John McIntyre in Robert Altman‘s M*A*S*H. Suddenly, Gould was everywhere, from the cover of Time magazine to cult classics like The Long Goodbye and California Split.